Chapter 25: An Unusual Shopping Trip
This update has been a bit of a longer time coming, I know guys! So I do apologise, however I have started my job now and am trying to get my head around secure mental health services at the mo, so have been super tired! However, I am continuing to write and I think I can update with Chapter 26 next week.
I hope this Chapter isn't too cheesy. I did write it, then delete half of it, then write it again, unsure of what I wanted from it, but hopefully it reads well and doesn't make you all cringe.
So, at the end of our last chapter, Lucinda had just let those three little words slip…
At first Lucius wasn't sure whether he had heard her correctly and so he didn't speak, just let his hand continue rubbing over her back. She moved suddenly and he watched, still silent, as she sat over his lap and kissed him softly, her lips caressing his and her hands holding the sides of his face. It had been so long since he had heard those words uttered to him. In fact, now he thought of it, he hadn't really heard them very often at all. They felt alien in some ways, and he certainly couldn't remember the last time he had heard those words come from his own mouth.
Although he returned the kiss passionately, his mind was cluttered with thoughts he felt he needed time to straighten out.
One thing he knew for certain was that what he was feeling for Lucinda was different to anything he had experienced. He had felt so isolated from his family after the war, and from himself, that he hadn't been sure he would ever be able to feel connected to someone again. Lucius could just see the outline of her features in the darkness of the room. She was moving her lips into his again and he somehow found himself clinging almost desperately to her. In that moment he felt as if he could lose himself in her completely, and moreover, he would let it happen willingly. He didn't truly know why he wasn't simply able to express these things to her aloud. He supposed he had never been very emotive. He didn't shed a tear on his wedding day or even when Draco was born, nor when his Father died. He rarely told Draco he loved him, although of course it was true. He had been brought up to believe that displays of affection were merely an awkward and unnecessary molly-coddling extra that relationships did not require to be 'successful'. But perhaps Lucinda was proving that theory as incorrect. He did have to admit that, when she kissed him for no particular reason, or smiled at him, it did not feel in the least awkward or unwelcome.
Lucius was jolted from his own stream of consciousness by her. She was looking at him closely, but not expectantly, he noted. He reached beside him and turned the bedside lamp on. It cast a low glow over the room, illuminating her now naked form straddling his lap. He ran his hands up her back and then down over her breasts and her stomach.
"You are so beautiful." He barely heard himself speak under his breath.
He saw her smile widely before she brought her forehead to rest against his, whispering; "I'm glad you think so."
Wrapping his arms firmly around her, he lowered her back to lie on the bed. Lucius kept his body pressed against hers, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath him. This is where she belongs, he thought to himself as he lowered his mouth to her again.
It was the early hours of the morning when Lucius awoke. There was light beginning to ebb into the room and he turned onto his side, stretching his limbs a little as he did so. Lucinda was still asleep. He simply lay there for a time and watched her, her breathing steady and deep and lips parted a touch. He suddenly remembered he had done something very similar after the first night they had spent together. He let one hand reach out to her, stroking down one arm that was resting out of the cover. Lucinda stirred under his touch, and Lucius could see her legs moving under the thin layer of white fabric covering them.
"Is it morning already?" She murmured, her eyes still shut.
He leant over to her and snaked his arm around her hips; "It is."
"I feel like it's been too short a time for night to be gone already. What time did we go to sleep?"
"Ah well, that will be why the night seemed so short. I believe it was into the early hours when we retired." He replied.
She opened her eyes, blinking several times before flashing him a small smile. Her hand moved over his, still in place on her hip, and stroked across it gently.
"I'm not surprised. You kept me up late!" She laughed, batting his hand away from her playfully.
"I think it was you who kept me up late if I recall the situation correctly."
She furrowed her brow a touch, and there was a pause before she said; "At first maybe yes. But then you did, and then again. Either way, I am so glad I have no work today."
"Perhaps I did contribute to the late night I shall admit. However, I am of the opinion the tiredness we are feeling now was more than worth it, no?" Lucius asked her, propping himself up to sit against the headboard.
"Oh it was worth it. Besides, we can always take a nap later on…"
"I find it hard to believe that we will achieve much in terms of sleeping if we are in the same bed my dear." He smirked down at her, still lying supine in the bed. He knew it was true and he knew that she knew the same.
She laughed loudly as she sat up at the side of the bed, rising and stretching her limbs sexily.
"Ok maybe that is true." Lucinda replied, moving over to the table near a large mirror and picking up the menu they had ordered from last night, "So you're saying we're going to have to nap in shifts so that we don't get…over excited?"
Lucius watched as she retraced her steps and got back into the bed, throwing the covers over herself and resting her head against him.
"That would be a little overboard don't you think? I have some self-control Miss. Lovegood." He raised an eyebrow at her when she turned her head to look at him.
"Are you implying that I do not, Mr. Malfoy?"
"I am not implying anything. Merely that you appear to very much enjoy interrupting plans for sexual gratification. Last night was a case in point." He teased her, taking the menu out of her hand as her mouth opened in shock.
"Oh and I suppose you are complaining that I said we didn't have to have a muggle-cooked dinner so we could come back up here for me to suck you off?"
He didn't respond at first, his face obscured to her by the leather bound piece of paper in front of him.
"I did not say I was complaining. As I recall I gave my approval at the time of said event."
He pretended to peruse the menu, but he was waiting for her reply. Suddenly it was pulled down from his line of view, replaced by Lucinda, who planted a close-lipped kiss on his lips.
"You did give approval, quite vigorous approval too. Shall we think about ordering some food?" She asked, letting the top of the menu out of her fingertips.
Lucius placed it down on the bed and turned his attention back to her.
"I do not see why not. You certainly do appear to think about food an inordinate amount of the time I must say."
"Well I guess. I'm not a 'I'll have a salad, hold the dressing' kind of girl." He watched as she shrugged her shoulders.
"I can see that. It is quite refreshing in all honesty. I was often privy to Narcissa's endless fad dieting, which became tiresome rather quickly." He replied, picking up the menu yet again and glancing down the list of items until he noticed the breakfast menu towards the bottom.
"I imagine it would." She paused momentarily before continuing, "Can I ask you a question?"
More questions, Lucius inwardly sighed. Her inquisitive and innate Ravenclaw nature meant she liked to learn as much as possible. Lucius did find himself preferring it if that nature wasn't aimed at him quite as often as it was.
"I suppose so. Proceed."
"When you are Narcissa first got married, did you love each other then? This has nothing to do with last night by the way, I was just curious. It seems at times as if you positively despise each other these days." Lucinda finished, not making eye contact.
Lucius cleared his throat with a slight cough and put the menu down on the bedside table now. If they were going to get into this conversation, they would not be getting around to ordering breakfast for some while yet.
"I do not despise Narcissa. I have become too distant from her to feel something so intense. I believe she feels much disdain and disappointment in me, however. I cannot say I blame her." Lucius spoke and he noted her move against him, her head resting on the pillow next to his shoulder, "But, if you are asking whether ours was a marriage of convenience, no it was not. Although it did serve an extra purpose in linking two noble pureblood families, and that was considered no bad thing, of course."
"I'm guessing the War changed things for you both then? I know it changed my perspective on my own relationship." She said, and he instantly wondered what exactly had changed in her relationship. He was aware from what she had said in previous conversations that she had been with the Weasley at that time.
"It was not just that one event, no. Something started to change many years before that. I can pinpoint it to not long after Draco was born."
"Really?" Lucinda asked, her eyebrows raising a touch.
"Perhaps it was that. I wanted more children, Narcissa did not. As far as she was concerned, we had an heir and that was enough. Anyway, I suppose it matters not now. That is all so long ago."
"You're right, it is. I'm sorry for asking, it's just I was wondering why you two seem to be the way you are with each other. I didn't know you had wanted more children."
"Why would you my dear? You had no reason to suspect that." He replied, letting one hand move up her neck and into her hair.
"True. Do you still think about it?" Her voice was quite quiet and he struggled to make out what she had said at first.
It was a question he had to think about before he answered. He found he did want to answer honestly. But he had not thought about having more children in so long. He had had no reason to. After attempting to speak rationally with Narcissa about the topic for several years after Draco was born, he knew he was going to get no further than that and so he pushed the idea to the back of his mind. And then once they had spilt up, he did not think any more on it.
"I have not thought about it for many years no. Is it something you have thought about?"
She did not reply, but she seemed to stare off into the distance for a while. For such a while in fact, that he was beginning to think she wouldn't answer him at all.
"Not really no. I guess I've just always been focused on my career so much that the thought of having children just skipped my mind. I remember George used to talk about it a lot. That he wanted lots of children, a big family just like his. It used to make me come out in a cold sweat to be honest, I always used to try and change the subject as soon as it came up."
"What changed between the two of you?" He had to ask, the curiosity getting the better of him.
"You mean after the War? Nothing appeared to have changed between us to everyone else. They still thought we were the perfect couple. But George was so broken after what happened to Fred, he was different for a long time. He often just put on a brave face in front of everyone, especially his poor parents. No one saw him like I did. The nights he didn't sleep because he was afraid he'd have nightmares, or the times I found him crying over photographs of the two of them. It was then I suppose that I knew it wasn't going to work, and that we wouldn't get married or have children or any of those things that were expected of us." She finished, closing her eyes briefly at the end of her sentence.
Lucius continued running his hand through her hair, feeling the silken strands pass through his fingers. He hadn't ever thought about how anyone else may have dealt with the after effects of the Second Wizarding War, having been too busy in his own misery and isolation. He supposed he had imagined that people were elated; the Dark Lord was dead after all.
"At the very least you should take comfort in that fact you did not stay with someone you did not believe you should be with."
"Yes. How did we get on to such a difficult subject? It's too early in the morning for all this I think." She laughed for a moment, sitting back up next to him.
"I quite agree." He replied.
Once they had ordered breakfast and showered (with the odd distraction in between, which Lucius found most welcome), they opened the curtains and sat by the window. Their room was at the front of the hotel and so looked out over a large landscaped park. Lucius noticed it was busy with people walking their dogs or out with their small children. He turned his attention to Lucinda to find she was also looking out of the window, sipping at her coffee delicately. She had put her dress from the previous evening back on, buttoning her shirt on top of it. One bare foot was up on the chair, tucked under her.
"What?" Lucinda asked with a smile thrown in his direction.
"Nothing. I was merely wondering what you were thinking about." Lucius asked her.
She turned back fully to the table, eating the last few forkfuls of scrambled egg from her plate before replying; "I don't think I was thinking about anything. Just how peaceful it looks out there in that park. I love that about London."
"Love what exactly?"
"How it can feel so serene and tranquil at times, despite the fact it is always busy. There's always people here, there and everywhere. It's nothing like where I grew up, and I suppose I love people-watching, don't you?" Lucinda spoke through a mouthful of toast.
"I cannot say I share that sentiment no. However, I do understand your implication that London is a unique place. I myself much prefer the peace and quiet of the countryside." He answered honestly, reaching for the white china coffee cup across from him.
"I grew up in the countryside. Well, near the sea actually. I loved it, but then I saw London when I came down to King's Cross to catch the Hogwarts Express and it was like this whole other world to me. I still love it here. Not that I do not love it at the Manor too. That house certainly does feel like a whole world of its own, and not just because it is so big."
"London does have a certain charm in some cases, I can see that. The Manor was built to be a protective world within itself. I am glad to hear, however, that you enjoy being there." He stopped, taking a drink from the cup and placing it down again, "When you are there, I find I do not want you to leave."
She looked to him, and rose from her seat slowly coming over to him and sitting across his lap, wrapping her arms loosely around his neck.
"And I do not want to either. It feels so much more homely than I ever imagined it would."
"Well, it can be your home. If you want it to be?" He asked, running one hand up across the back of her arm.
"I would like that." She answered, her lips seeking out his once more.
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Lucinda had been surprised that he had, for all intents and purposes, asked her to live with him. Although she supposed they were already doing that really. In any other relationship this would be her time to bolt in the opposite direction, thinking things were moving too quickly. But she felt a thrill at the idea of moving into the Manor fully, and not just because her flat was so bare and cold compared to the lush interiors of Lucius' home.
She still had not stopped thinking about her little slip of the previous night. Sometimes her brain seemed to catch up with her mouth a few seconds too late for her liking. And so she had said the three words she had been attempting to put off for the time being. However, his reaction had surprised her. Although he had not returned her words (she certainly had not expected he would do so), he seemed to accept them and he had been more open with her, per their discussions this morning. Yes, she mused, this was turning out to be quite an interesting hotel visit. Not only had she ended up declaring her love for him, Lucius had asked her to live with him and she had discussed some things she had not done with anyone else. Not even Luna. The whole George revelation this morning had come as a surprise to even herself. She had never thought she would talk about the intimate details of a previous relationship with anyone. And she had definitely never dared do it at the time; everyone had thought her and George were perfect together. They encouraged them to get engaged and 'seal the deal' so to speak. Lucinda had felt like a fraud the whole time, pretending life was great when actually she spent three quarters of the time in their flat either alone or trying to coax George into taking a break from inventing to let off some steam.
Her eyes met his now across the table, the remnants of their breakfast cluttering up the space. She had sat back in her seat, not before grabbing a leftover piece of toast from Lucius' plate.
"So, we're both free today…what do you feel like doing?" She asked him, brushing some stray crumbs from her lap.
She watched as he placed his now empty cup back on its matching saucer and smirked in her direction, answering simply; "You."
Lucinda tried very hard to look annoyed at his comment but she couldn't keep it up, instead bursting into a fit of giggles.
"Err I don't think we'll get away with doing that in the middle of London. I was thinking more along the lines of a walk, or shopping or anything really. The 'doing' can come later though, don't get me wrong!" She exclaimed at the end of her suggestions, wanting to make sure he knew that she absolutely did want that to happen too.
"Have you conveniently forgotten we are in a bedroom my dear?"
"I have not forgotten no. But we'll have to check out soon won't we? It's usually twelve o clock in these places I think." She stated, before finishing the last of her own coffee.
"I am sure some…magical persuasion could negate any consequences on our part." Lucius replied, raising his eyebrow so subtly she wasn't sure if she just imagined it he did it that often.
"Well…" Lucinda said teasingly, rising from her seat and moving over to sit on the bed, "You put forward a very convincing argument."
Lucius strode over to the bed and before Lucinda knew it, he was on top of her, pushing her down to lie back across the covers she had just tidied only half an hour or so before.
"I am very convincing." He said simply.
Eventually, with the bed remade again and the plates stacked back on the tray they arrived on, they made their way downstairs to check out of the room. Lucinda was almost sad to leave the luxurious escape of it all. She had momentarily forgotten all of the trials and tribulations of everyday life. Lucinda passed Lucius the card key for the door when they reached the large lobby area, and he walked over to the desk, handing it in to a young red-haired receptionist who smiled at him sheepishly. Lucinda merely rolled her eyes.
They emerged out on to the street, the summer day in full force. The park across the road was now even busier than it had been this morning. Lucinda noticed it was mostly full of young families. Laughing children were being pushed on the swings by their beaming parents, and Lucinda's mind harked back to their conversation this morning. She had never thought about having children before. It always seemed to her like something other people did. But now, as she watched the perfect everyday picture painted by the families she could see, she tried to imagine herself and Lucius in their place, pushing their son or daughter down the slide or helping them up the climbing frame. The dream was hazy and seemed far away, but she realised it was definitely there. It could be real, couldn't it?
"Are you ok?" He asked her, and she turned to him, startled.
She shook her head as if trying to clear the vision from her mind and replied; "Yes I'm fine."
He appeared to look at her for a moment as if he was not quite convinced, but he said no more about it.
"I believe you mentioned something earlier about shopping? Would you still like to?"
She looked up at him, having to shield her eyes as the sun beamed down over them.
"You want to go shopping with me?" Lucinda asked incredulously.
"Why the tone of surprise? You did make the suggestion earlier."
"Well yeah, it's just that you're a man. Men usually hate shopping don't they?" She questioned. No man she had ever known had been shopping with her for pure enjoyment.
"I am not completely averse to the idea as it happens." He spoke as they started to make their way down the street.
Lucinda realised where they were heading. No wonder it is so packed around here, she thought. They were only metres away from Brompton Road now, practically smack bang in the middle of muggle London. She had only ever come down here once before, for a girly day with Hannah and Ava a while ago. Save to say, they hadn't bought anything. Lucinda opened her mouth to say something, but she felt too ridiculous and embarrassed to say that she couldn't afford anything here. Especially when the man she was walking there with could probably buy the whole of the street out if he so chose.
"We could always go back to Diagon Alley or somewhere if you like. I mean, I don't suppose you want to shop in muggle territory." She said, her hand entwined in his now.
He was silent for a moment and they carried on walking, being flashed regular odd or admiring glances from tourists passing them.
"As unlikely as it sounds, I have indeed perused muggle shops previously. I'm sure I can make an exception, particularly as we are so close by. I want to buy you something." He said, as if it was the most normal thing in the world to take her to a designer shop and buy her something for no particular reason.
"What for?" Lucinda asked, slightly confused.
"I need no reason. Here we are." Lucius stated.
They had stopped in front of Harrods. Lucinda had only been in once, on her and her friends' muggle shopping trip. She remembered it was beautiful inside. Lucius didn't let go of her hand and one of the doormen pulled open the large glass door for them to go in, nodding slightly to Lucius as he passed.
"What are we doing in here Lucius? I couldn't even afford a lettuce and a pint of milk from here!" She whispered fiercely, suddenly feeling as out of place as she had ever felt amongst muggles.
He turned to her, and she thought she saw a flash of annoyance cross his face. She found it made her want to keep quiet.
"You shall not be spending any money in here I can assure you. I think the jewellery hall is this way."
"Jewellery? Oh look Lucius, I really don't want to seem ungrateful or anything, but I don't need you to spend your money on me." She replied almost meekly as they made their way into the heart of the department store.
Several impeccably dressed and impossibly skinny women raised their noses at Lucinda as she walked by them. She could smell the heavy perfume in the air as they walked past what Lucinda assumed must be the fragrance counters, and saw countless boxes and displays of makeup in the beauty hall. Lucius still did not stop walking, and her feet were starting to hurt in her high heels.
When eventually they came to a halt, she couldn't help but marvel at the space they had emerged into. Rows upon rows of lighted glass cabinets lined the walls and art deco mirrors dominated the area. A dark green and white marble floor glimmered in the bright light. Even from where they were standing she could see the bright shine of diamonds and gold coming from inside the cabinets, some of them clearly being protected by a plain clothed security guard nearby.
"Wow. It is so beautiful in here." She breathed, completely forgetting her protest of only a minute or so before.
She noticed Lucius smile at her out of the corner of her eye. "Shall we start over here?"
He moved across the room to a cabinet on the far wall. Lucinda peered into one of them, hoping to find something that might not be too expensive, but most of the items simply said, 'POA' underneath. Price on application; never a good sign, she concluded.
"These things are all too expensive. Can't you just settle with buying me a lipstick or some chocolates or something?" Lucinda asked desperately.
Lucius was busy inspecting a rather magnificent looking ruby and diamond bracelet but he replied to her; "You seem very set against this."
"It's not that I am set against it as such. I just feel it's an awfully big gesture and I guess I'm just not used to that."
He looked up from the glass cabinet, his expression softened a little; "My darling, if I did not want to buy you anything, I would not. It is as simple as that." He finished, brushing a stray piece of hair back from her face.
"I know. Ok then, well I really like those earrings. They're beautiful. I suppose we could see how much they are."
"We could." He said, and as if on cue (Lucinda suspected some form of magic had been involved), a young man dressed in a smart navy blue suit made his way over to them.
"Good afternoon Sir, Madam. Is there anything I can help you with?" The man said in a cut-glass accent.
"Yes, I would like to enquire about the price of these earrings." Lucius asked as politely as Lucinda had ever heard him speak to a muggle.
"Ah yes, the Boucheron pear cut diamond stud earrings. A beautiful choice if I may say so. These are four thousand five hundred Sir." The sales assistant spoke eloquently, taking the earrings out of the glass case so they could look at them more closely.
He needn't have bothered, Lucinda thought. As beautiful as they were, it was a ridiculous price.
"Yes very good. I'll take them." Lucius said, clearly uninterested in anything else the man had to say about them.
Lucinda watched as, for a moment, the young man looked as if all his Christmases had come at once. They must work on commission, she thought to herself. Pity I'm going to have to crush his dream of a bonus.
"Wonderful Sir. I shall just go and get a box and some ribbon for them, I shan't be a moment."
As soon as he was out of earshot, Lucinda whispered; "What?! You cannot be serious Lucius! That's far too much money!"
"I said I wanted to buy you something, and you said they were beautiful. That seems a fit as far as I'm concerned." He replied, and she was shocked when he took a muggle cheque book out of his inside pocket. He really was full of surprises.
"Yes perhaps, but you could donate that money to a charity or something instead of spending it on a pair of diamonds for me to decorate my ears with." Lucinda said stubbornly, her hands practically on her hips in defiance.
"My dear as much as I admire your tenacity, for once kindly…relinquish." He said, and she could tell that, beneath the teasing lilt to his voice, he was serious and he would not change his mind. She watched him pull out a small quill and write across the cheque. She only noticed now that he wrote with his left hand.
The man was making his way back over to them now, a large black velvet box wrapped with pale blue ribbon in his hand.
"Here we are. How will you be choosing to pay today Sir?"
"Cheque." Lucius answered swiftly, handing him the piece of paper.
The man looked a little bewildered for a moment as to Lucius' cold demeanour, but he quickly regained his professional and polished manner.
"Thank you Sir. I'll just sort this out and get a bag for you."
It was only when they emerged from the jewellery hall that she awkwardly turned back to him.
"Thank you. They're really amazing. I'm sorry I was acting like a, well, like a bitch."
"You were not acting like anything. I understand it must seem strange for you. It was a gesture I wanted to make and I have done so." He stated. They were heading back towards the front of the store now.
"It wasn't about what I told you last night was it? You know I meant what I said." Lucinda said honestly, putting her hand in his, the small Harrods bag swinging in the other.
"I know you always mean what you say Lucinda. I had no doubt about that." Lucius answered, glancing across to her.
They were near to the main doors, by the lifts that led to the other six floors of expensive shopping heaven. She stopped suddenly.
"You know, while we're here then, why don't we have a look at the menswear?"
"I see. Are you implying my dress sense is not up to your standards?" He looked as if he had amused himself. She knew what he was thinking; as if anything a muggle would wear would be better than anything wizard crafted.
"I was implying no such thing. I just thought there might be some nice things here. I know they aren't up to your usual specifications I'm sure, but you might see something that will suit. Besides…," Lucinda lowered her voice a touch so as not to draw attention from the snooty clientele, "I thought we could take a trip to the…" She glanced over at the information plaques, "Fifth Floor. You've treated me to something, now let me treat you to something hmmm?"
"And what exactly is located on the Fifth Floor that is of interest?"
"The lingerie department. Come on." She said, beaming at him as she pressed the button to call the lift.
By the time they left, they had several more bags between them. Lucinda had had no luck in persuading Lucius to branch out into muggle menswear, but she had eventually convinced him to buy a pair of lovely white gold cufflinks. The lingerie department had proved much more of a hit it seemed. Lucinda insisted on buying her own lingerie, despite Lucius immediately getting his chequebook out at the till. She spent much more than she usually would, but she thought she might as well treat herself, and him. Considering he had just bought four thousand pound diamond earrings, she felt the least she could do was spent a couple of hundred pounds on barely-there lacy things men tended to enjoy.
It was late afternoon when they arrived back at the Manor. Lucinda found her mind harking back to what Lucius had said to her this morning. That it could be her home as well as his. The thought filled her with happiness, she couldn't deny it. The place was suddenly more welcoming than ever, the entrance hall seeming to glow warmly, drawing her into the place.
Throwing down her bags with a content sigh, she flung herself onto the couch, her shoes leaving her feet as quickly as possible. She groaned loudly as the tight leather was removed, freeing her squashed toes. The things we women go through, she mused.
"That noise is most enticing my dear." A voice whispered huskily in her ear.
She turned to see Lucius smirking down at her. He had two firewhiskey-filled tumblers in his hand and he passed one to her before walking around the couch and taking a seat.
"My pain is enticing to you?" She answered sarcastically, placing the tumbler down on the table and massaging her feet.
"I did not realise you were in any pain. You should have told me."
"It's fine. I put up with sore feet most of the time."
"I must say I find it awfully strange that you would squash your feet into shoes that cause pain. Not that the effect is not quite appealing." He spoke, sitting back on the couch, one leg crossing over the other.
"Exactly. It's the effect we're going for I suppose. That and the fact I would barely come up to your chest if I didn't wear them!" She paused momentarily, stopping her massaging and turning to him, "Did you mean what you said this morning? About me living here?"
"I did. And are you still keen on the idea?" He asked in reply.
"Of course I am." Lucinda said sincerely, moving herself closer to him.
"Well, then I see no reason why you should not begin moving some more things here tomorrow."
"I would like that very much. And, seen as though I will be living here, I think I better start earning my keep hmm?" She murmured sexily, before letting her lips touch against his for just a moment.
"You can start by showing me some of your earlier purchases in the flesh, as it were." Lucius replied, taking a swig from his glass.
"Yes Sir."
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Lucius was pleased to hear that she was going back to her flat the next day to collect some more of her things and try and talk to her…landlord he thought it was she said. He wasn't sure what the purpose of them was exactly, but he knew the sooner she wouldn't have to return to that bare and tiny space, the better. He took the time while she was away to check on the Alia Forma potion. His meeting with Costache was only one week away now and he had hoped the potion would be ready by now, however when he checked on it several days ago it was still not quite right. It would need to be, or he would not be happy.
Upon entering the potions laboratory, he noticed the familiar smell attack his senses immediately. It was as dimly lit as ever and he made his way over to the cupboard set to the far left of the room. He picked up the small glass bottle and inspected it thoroughly. It looked much darker now, as it should. And the viscosity had changed also. Perfect, he thought. It was ready to be used. Lucius moved it into the regular storage cupboard that contained the Manor's stock of ready-to-use potions, as well as several poisons he'd managed to store at Borgin and Burkes when the Ministry came snooping around.
Once that task was completed, he decided it might be best to pay a visit to Gringotts. He would need to have some preparations in place in order to further persuade Costache and his followers to get him what he wanted. Money would only go so far of course, he knew that, but he did have some very interesting documents contained in his vault that he could obtain for them if they were successful. When they are successful, he corrected himself. Woe betide them if they were not. He had never been comfortable in foregoing control over a situation, and this was no different. He could, however, control the negotiations in this matter and do so he would. Putting on his black outer robes and grabbing his walking stick, he apparated to Diagon Alley, determined to complete the business as quickly as possible.
"What can I help you with Mr. Malfoy?" A goblin nodded to him as he reached the front desk.
"I will need to see Gornuk. I have some things to discuss regarding my vault." Lucius replied swiftly.
"Very well. Your wand please." The goblin asked, flourishing his hand to him.
Lucius removed his wand from the walking stick and passed it to the goblin, who looked at it only for a moment before handing it back, Lucius replacing it safely within the sheath of the cane.
"Through the gate, and the door to the left Mr. Malfoy. I will send Gornuk in momentarily."
Lucius gave a brief nod in response and walked down past the rows of high wooden desks and through a metal gate before entering the first door on the left as was indicated to him. He sat himself down at the table and took out his pocket watch. It was just turned half past two. Lucinda had said she would not be long, however he was certain that she would end up being longer than she anticipated.
He heard the door open behind him and Gornuk, the manager of his family vault at Gringotts, entered. A large ring of keys were jangling on his belt and he was wearing a similar uniform to the other goblins; a simple black suit and white shirt with a black neck tie.
"Yes Mr. Malfoy. I was told you wanted to see me. What can I do for you?" Gornuk stated. Straight to the point as always. It was one thing he liked about goblins. They were efficient, it was no surprise they were able to run Gringotts so well.
Lucius folded his hands together on the table top and replied; "I will require some funds to be transferred into a separate account."
"I see. And how much were you requiring Mr. Malfoy?"
"I should think twenty thousand galleons should be adequate. I will be using a significant amount of the funds in the coming weeks as I anticipate it." He said, hoping considerably there would be no awkward questions asked. There generally wasn't and he did not anticipate that this should be any different.
"I should see no reason why that cannot be arranged. And I am assuming that this account will remain untraceable, as is usual?" The goblin asked him, and Lucius noted his eyes narrow a touch. Goblins were notoriously distrusting of wizards.
"Of course, as per our usual arrangements. Can this be transfer be completed today?" He inquired. It was not so much a question; it would be done today.
"Yes. I shall see to it immediately. Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"I do not think so. That will be all." Lucius said, rising from his seat to leave.
"Then I bid you good day Mr. Malfoy." Gornuk replied, following him to the door.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
He knew she was in the house when he returned. There was no noise that alerted him, nor smells of cooking or music playing. He simply knew that she was there; the house seemed to take on a very different aura when Lucinda was present. It was something he found he liked immensely.
"There you are." Her voice reached him from her position standing by the sitting room door.
"Here I am. Good afternoon to you too." Lucius stated sarcastically, but he found himself striding across the foyer to her immediately.
"Sorry. Good afternoon!" She replied cheerily.
He let his eyes roam over her body hungrily. He had watched her dress this morning and he knew that underneath her green skirt and white shirt was a rather revealing white lace bra he wouldn't mind taking off her at this very moment. She was smirking at him, her arms folded across her.
"What are you thinking?" Lucinda asked him curiously. By the way she pressed her body against him, Lucius was fairly certain she already knew the answer to her own question.
"I am always thinking of many things."
"Oh I see. And are you thinking about me at this moment in time?" She inquired, and he could feel her hands moving down the front of his shirt.
He gripped her around her waist hard and pushed her flush against him; "I would think you have no need for me to verbalise it."
"I don't now no. Oh, wait…." She said, and he surrendered his grasp momentarily as she turned back to go into the sitting room.
"Wait?" He questioned, following her into the room and flicking his hand with disinterest at the door, closing it behind him.
She was over by the small table next to the couch, and she picked up a letter, passing it to him with a flourish.
"This came for you just before you got here."
"I see." Lucius stated, breaking the seal and opening the parchment.
It was from Draco, he knew that immediately. The slightly untidy scrawl of his hand was unmistakeable. Lucius had often tried to encourage him to practice his handwriting when he was younger, but Draco was never interested. He was asking to see him late next week.
He was just finishing scanning the remainder of the letter when he heard Lucinda say; "Is it from Draco?"
"Yes. I was expecting to hear from him. I shall answer him later. He wants to meet me sometime next week." He replied, closing the parchment over and placing it down on the table. He would reply in a little while. There was something rather pressing on his mind at the moment.
"You'll answer him later." Lucinda repeated, the two of them edging steadily closer to one another.
"I will."
His mouth met hers with force, and he moved his hand across her shirt, and one by one the buttons magically popped open. He felt jolts of pleasure move through him as the tips of her fingers caressed him through his trousers at first before she deftly unbuttoned his fastenings and wrapped her hand tightly around his cock. The quite unique way she worked him was at once both delicious and frustrating. She would consistently bring him to the edge with her hands on him and her mouth joining his, then dissipate her touch as if she was deliberately trying to torture him. But now he could not wait. He stopped kissing her and in turn she stopped moving her hand on him, at first looking at him as if to ask what was wrong. Taking his opportunity, he grabbed her wrist and led her to stand facing the arm of the couch. He hadn't spoken to her; he knew he had no need to. He instinctively knew what she wanted, and vice versa. She leant forwards, using the couch arm for support, and he gently pushed her down further. Standing behind her, Lucius pushed the thin material of her skirt up over her thighs until her rump was exposed to him. He could hear her breathing quicken and she groaned slightly, raising herself for him and spreading her legs.
He leant over her, whispering dangerously; "I would advise you to stay still my dear. You know I will give you what you want, don't you?"
"Yes, I know." Lucinda answered.
His hands moved up the back of her legs and then between them, his fingers tracing across the wetness pooled there. They were both still now, the only sounds infiltrating the room being their joint heavy breathing and the low 'tick' of the grandfather clock coming from the foyer. Lucius entered her swiftly, his mind clouding as he felt himself enclosed in the tight warmth of her once more. He began to pull out of her almost instantly, his hands grasping the top of her thighs hard, before pushing back again easily. She was so wet that he was able to thrust his hips faster and faster against her. He had never before been distracted by a woman; he would never have thought he would allow himself to. But he could think of nothing else when he was inside her. Nothing but her.
She was moaning increasingly loudly, her hands on top of his. He could feel the delicate touch of her fingers rubbing against his skin. Lucius began to move his hands under her shirt. He trailed up the soft skin of her stomach and up to the lace of her bra, cupping her breast through the material. He pushed the shirt up over her waist, leaning down to kiss across her lower back. She moaned his name, and thrust her hips backwards into him. Usually Lucius preferred to take a lead in such activities, but feeling her so desperate for him was quite the turn on. And so he momentarily stopped moving inside her, allowing him to thoroughly feel the intense throbbing of the blood around his cock.
He watched as Lucinda gripped the edge of the couch, her nails digging into the leather. She moved until her could feel her perfect arse pressed against him, his length fully inside her. Her movements were much slower than his and he found himself closing his eyes. The familiar tingling in his groin was growing stronger with every subtle move she made on him. She was grinding against him, clearly eager for her own release as much as to feel his. He saw her head be thrown back and her body tense and convulse against his as she came hard for him as she always did. Knowing her own pleasure was taken care of, he gave himself fully over to the amazing feeling of her moving on his cock. He was so unbelievably close to the edge when, suddenly, she stopped and pulled away from him until he fell from her. Lucius was in a state somewhere in between annoyance and surprise as she turned to face him, sitting herself on the couch arm and wrapping her legs around his waist. He entered her once more, the slickness of her meaning she parted easily for him. Lucius needed his release now, he would wait no longer. He thrust into her over and over again, his mind blurring and her lips on his neck. When he came inside her his vision blurred a little, and he felt himself panting and groaning as if he was completely detached from himself.
They collapsed back onto the couch and Lucius noted her pull her skirt back over her thighs but leaving her shirt open. He noticed only now that the sky outside was beginning to darken into a pink and blue dusk. It cast her hair and skin with a strange glow as she half lay across his lap. He let one hand tangle through the pale strands of hair, leaning down to kiss the top of her head.
"You were right." She stated quietly into the silence of the room.
"About what exactly?"
"That you always give me what I want. Even if you do go your own way about it half the time." Lucinda turned her head to look up at him, giving him a slight flirty smile.
"I always go about things in my own way, I always have. Now that you will be here all the time however, I am sure I can give you what you want much more often." Lucius breathed next to her ear.
"I have no doubt about that." She responded as his lips lightly touched the fragrant pale skin of her neck.
A lot of things have changed in this Chapter for them both I think. I will update asap for you all. Thanks to everyone who has followed, favourited and reviewed so far. Please so keep it up, it really is helping my motivation to write more X